Pair of Barbotine Vases
Pair of barbotine vases finely decorated with branches and adorned with flowers in relief of various forms. A figure, seemingly enclosed within each vase, attempts to emerge with the help of his companion. The entire surface is covered with ceramic vermicelli, giving the vases a matte, irregular, and highly textured appearance. The upper section of each vase terminates in a wide, flared opening, completing the overall composition.
These two pieces do not appear to belong to the production of a large-scale manufactory, but rather may be the work of an independent artisan. It was indeed common for such craftsmen to sign their works with an abbreviated first name, followed by a surname and, occasionally, the name of the town where the piece was produced, thereby associating the work with a specific locality.
Through their naturalistic treatment, profuse decoration, and use of raised barbotine, these pieces also appear to draw inspiration from English productions from the Staffordshire region, particularly known for their modeled decoration and their appreciation of richly textured surfaces.
Signed and impressed beneath the vases: “Fabrica A. Giovanucci, Roma.”
Rome, late 19th century
Dimensions:
Height: 53 cm
Width: 35 cm
